*One-day special assembly session to discuss Western Ghats: CM DK Shivakumar*
*Kasturirangan Report; One-day special assembly session to discuss Western Ghats: CM DK Shivakumar*
*Draft notification declaring Western Ghats Environmentally Sensitive Area based on Dr. K. Kasturirangan report; State opposes Centre’s unilateral decision*
*CM holds meeting with MLAs on district development*
*Guidance on drought management, Prajaseva department, and SIR*
*Bharat Jodo Yuva Sangha: 7 lakh online registrations*
*Preparations to distribute 50,000 sites for the poor in every district*
Pragativahini News, Bengaluru:
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that “A one-day special assembly session will be convened to discuss and take a unanimous decision regarding the 7th draft notification issued by the Central Government declaring the Western Ghats as an Environmentally Sensitive Area based on the Dr. K. Kasturirangan report”.
Shivakumar addressed a press conference on Wednesday after holding a meeting at the CM’s home office Krishna with party MLAs and defeated candidates from previous elections regarding the overall development of various districts.
“The 7th draft notification issued by Central Government based on the Dr. K. Kasturirangan report should not be finalized in its present form. The Centre has proposed to declare 56,000 sq km of area across six states as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). In Karnataka, 20,668 sq km of area, covering 33 taluks and 1,449 villages across 10 districts (Belagavi, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Mysore, Shivamogga, Udupi), falls under the ESA scope. This will adversely affect farmers’ livelihoods and future development,” he said.
He clarified, “The cabinet under then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had taken a unanimous decision requesting the Central Government to reject the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee and withdraw the draft notification dated July 31, 2024. However, the Central Government has taken a unilateral decision, which the State Government does not accept.”
“This matter will be discussed in the Cabinet and public opinion will also be gathered. Awareness will be raised on behalf of the Congress party and the government. The Centre must respect the state’s stance. This issue will be discussed within the legal framework. The Centre has adopted one rule for Karnataka and another elsewhere,” he added.
*Role of MLAs in drought management*
The role of MLAs in managing the drought situation was explained to them during the meeting. The Deputy Chief Minister will soon declare over 100 taluks as drought-affected. The government will take decisions regarding declaring more taluks as drought-affected in the future, and I will visit the Centre with a delegation to request drought relief,” he said.
*Ministers’ visit to districts twice a month*
“MLAs have expressed confidence in the new government’s visions and plans. Every minister has been instructed to visit districts on the first and third Saturdays of every month to hold meetings and resolve people’s problems on the spot,” he informed.
“Following this, a program should be organized for ministers to visit all 224 constituencies in the state at the hobli level. The Prajaseva Department has been established to enable respective MLAs to listen to people’s issues at the panchayat level, understand their sentiments, and convey them to the government. Guidance has been given to MLAs in this regard,” he explained.
*SIR: Government committed to protecting rights of eligible voters*
In the SIR process, over 1 crore people have been left out of the voters’ list. Permanent residence certificates and caste certificates are being provided by the government. The Election Commissioner has been requested to take steps to conduct booth-level meetings and publish the voters’ list. MLAs must raise awareness among people about the power and right to vote. No injustice should be done to eligible voters. Guidance has been provided to MLAs to work toward securing voting rights for the people,” he detailed.
*Bharat Jodo Yuva Sangha: 7 lakh online registrations*
“A new-generation program has been designed for youth. Guidance should be given to participate rising above caste and religion to create suitable awareness at the panchayat level regarding sports, yoga, environmental planting, community service, leadership, disaster management, becoming drug-free, and understanding national integrity and the Constitution. ₹10 lakh will be provided to each association. Ward-level government employees will be appointed as mentors for each association. Opportunities must be given to rural talent. 200 members should join per panchayat. 7 lakh people have already obtained online membership. Permission has been granted to hold regular meetings in government schools and community halls,” he informed.
*Distribution of 50,000 sites for the poor in districts*
“MLAs have discussed the issues of their constituencies. Details including the past and present situation of every beneficiary must be gathered. Scope should not be given for bogus bills or works in development tasks. A decision has been taken to distribute 50,000 sites in every district through the Revenue Department, and government land has been identified for this purpose. This is a scheme to distribute sites to the poor,” he stated.
*Local body elections after SIR:*
“Panchayat and Corporation elections will be conducted before November. A letter will be written to the Commission to hold elections immediately after SIR is completed. Guidance has been given to MLAs to prioritize establishing local-level industries to prevent migration of people from rural areas and taluks,” he said.
*Opposition lacks concern for the poor and drought*
“I have heard the demands of the MLAs. Developing their constituencies is our goal. As stated in the manifesto, we must strive for transparent administration and the state’s welfare. The opposition lacks concern for the poor and drought; politics is what matters to them. The DCM will soon announce the drought-hit taluks. ₹1 crore has been released for drinking water. Drought-hit areas will be declared after the study tour of 102 taluks is completed,” he said.
*Use of park space for public purposes:*
When asked about the opposition’s criticism of the bill regarding the use of park land, he hit back, saying, “There is a plan to legally use land for development works that benefit the public, including road widening. We will not give scope to private entities. Should I bring up how previous governments gave land to their party and workers? Look at the park near our residence in Sadashivanagar.”
When asked about rumors of Minister Nagendra preparing to resign, he said, “Nagendra has never backed down when it comes to the party. He is a disciplined soldier of the party. He is innocent. Still, we accepted his resignation. We have immense faith in his leadership.”
Regarding his Delhi visit, he said, “During the Delhi visit, discussions will be held with Central ministers and legal experts. Discussions will also be held with leaders regarding the foundation stone laying of our party office.”
*Emphasis on developing Bengaluru’s water bodies and green spaces*
“The government is formulating a comprehensive plan to protect major lakes, recharge groundwater, and prevent encroachments for Bengaluru’s water security over the next 25 years,” he stated.
“Programs are being designed to rejuvenate and develop Hesaraghatta, Bettada Kote, Hoskote, Elemallappa Shetty, Bannerghatta, Bagalur, and Byramangala lakes. Priority is being given to preventing lake encroachments, deepening where necessary, and taking measures to prevent sewage inflow,” he informed.
“Directions are being issued to relevant agencies including BWSSB, Lake Development Authority, Minor Irrigation Department, and BDA to prepare a report on this,” he said.
*New parks across more than 5,000 acres*
“To increase Bengaluru city’s green cover, it has been decided to develop new parks across a total of over 5,000 acres, including Turahalli Forest, Thottikallu Falls, BM Kaval Forest, Basavantapura, Mandur, and Jyothipura. Through this, emphasis is being placed on expanding green cover, environmental conservation, and future water security in Bengaluru,” he concluded.
